Prince Charles tours local town

Jul 21, 2006, 15:03 GMT

Britain's Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall helped a Gloucestershire town celebrate the Queen's 80th birthday.

The couple visited Tetbury, a town near the royal family's Highgrove home, and planted six ornamental pear trees yesterday (20.07.06).

During the visit, Charles and Camilla chatted with many of the people lining the streets to greet them.

The visit also took the couple to St Mary's Primary School, and eight-year-old pupil Karis Townsend admitted she was desperate to ask Charles a question.

She said: 'He was very nice, but I really wanted to ask him a question. I wanted to ask him if the Princes like the Beano, but I didn't have the chance.'

Fellow pupil Ben Dyke added: 'I couldn't sleep last night, I was so nervous. But it was great to meet the Prince.'

As the prince finished shovelling soil on the trees - which were chosen by the Westonbirt Arboretum - he lifted his spade triumphantly and waved to the crowds.

Town mayor Stephen Hirst said: 'It was the first time we have seen them here as a couple and as their local town it was nice we could celebrate the queen's birthday with them.'

After they had completed their gardening duties, the royal couple visited staff and patients at Tetbury Hospital.

The Prince, who is Patron of the Friends of Tetbury Hospital, toured the building's new £100,000 operating theatre and was shown round the minor injuries and outpatients unit.

Copyright 2006 BANG Media International